On the fronts of the allied, fighting Ukraine, things are not going very well. However, in the legal arena – victory after victory.
Today, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia is considering a draft law on the Convention establishing an International Commission on Ukraine's Claims. The package of documents is presented by Foreign Minister Baiba Braže ("New Unity").
Assessing the Damage
"Implementing an unwavering foreign policy course, Latvia aims its actions at providing comprehensive support to Ukraine and at maximizing the restriction of Russia. Maintaining a rules-based international order is crucial for restoring and further ensuring international peace and security, therefore Latvia, together with its allies, is participating in efforts to ensure comprehensive accountability for Russia," the annotation states.
The UN General Assembly, the Latvian Foreign Ministry reminds, adopted Resolution ES-11/5 – "Promoting Access to Justice and Reparations in Relation to the Aggression Against Ukraine."
The resolution recognizes that the Russian Federation must bear legal responsibility for all violations of international law in Ukraine, including its aggression, which constitutes a violation of the UN Charter, as well as for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. It was additionally established that Moscow is responsible for the legal consequences arising from all its internationally wrongful acts, including – "for any damage caused by such acts."
"At the same time," emphasizes Latvian diplomacy, "in cooperation with Ukraine, it would be necessary to create an international mechanism for damage compensation..." In practice, this should be implemented in the form of "an international register of damage for the documentary registration of evidence in it and inclusion in claims of information about damage, harm, or insult caused to all relevant individuals and legal entities, as well as the Ukrainian state..."
And Will You Take Russia?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with the Office of the President of Ukraine, has been preparing for the international Commission on Ukraine's Claims since last year. Invitations have been sent to 94 UN member states that voted for the memorable Resolution. By September 2025, delegations from 53 countries, including Latvia, participated in the meetings.
As is customary in a prestigious international organization, the new structure for Ukraine's claims will include: an Assembly, a Financial Committee, a Claims Committee, and a Council (elected for 3 years, consisting of 9 to 15 members). Subcommittees are also being created, with 3 commissioners in each. The day-to-day work is managed by a Secretariat headed by a Chief Commissioner.
"At the same time, if Russia wishes to become a participant in this Convention, it will not be refused, but conditions are provided... If the Russian Federation becomes a member, it will assume the commission's expenses for claims from the moment this Convention enters into force. Until the Russian Federation assumes the commission's expenses for claims, the commission is funded by annual membership fees and voluntary contributions."
As long as Russia has not acknowledged or condemned its actions on all internationally recognized territory of Ukraine (i.e., including Crimea), Latvia commits to bear the burden of costs for restoring justice. In monetary terms for 2026, this will amount to €27,470. Meanwhile, the Convention is authorized to be signed by the Latvian ambassador to the Netherlands, Solvita Aboltina. This will be a star moment for the former Speaker of the Saeima!
Leave a comment